Day 1: Clean up your surroundings
Our
surroundings can have a real impact upon how we feel and if we’re
spending time in a space that’s messy, there’s a good chance our minds
will be in the same state. A quick and easy way to change your mindset
is to clean up your surroundings; get rid of any clutter, let some
natural light in, vacuum the carpets, clean the surfaces and light some
candles – feels better, right?
Day 2: Let go of the little things
You
know all those little thoughts that whizz around your mind nagging at
you? Put them into perspective and then learn to let go of them. Okay,
so you walked out of the bathroom with your skirt tucked into your
knickers or had a tiff with someone and then discovered your
‘don’t-mess-with-me’ face is covered in food... cringe? Yes. Worth the
worry? No. People have their own worries in life and they’re not as
focussed on you as you probably feel. We’re all humans, we all make
mistakes, and we all must learn to put them beside us if our happiness
levels are to soar on up!
Day 3: Conquer the big things
There
are some things in life that can’t be swept under the carpet, but
worrying will do no good either. If you’re worried about something that
can be sorted immediately, stop putting it off and tackle it head-on –
once you’ve got it ticked off your to-do list, you can draw a line
underneath it. If it’s something in the future that you’re worried
about, remember that your thoughts aren’t powerful enough to change the
future so you may as well enjoy your time doing something you love. Good
movie and a cheeky drink, anyone?
Day 4: Feel-good foods
Today,
eat your way to a happier you. While certain foods can make us feel
bloated, sluggish and sleepy, others make us feel revitalised and boost
our moods. Indeed, scientists have discovered that those who eat heavily
processed foods have increased levels of depression and mood swings.
Natural, unprocessed foods are the way forward so add them to your
shopping list for a happier you. Oily fish, bananas, blueberries and
walnuts are only a spoonful of the foods that can boost your mood.
Day 5: Invest in relationships rather than material objects
Most
of us can relate to the feeling of being down in the dumps when we’re
low on cash, but instead of focussing on financial wealth, turn your
attention to your social wealth instead. It’s amazing how much a night
in with a friend or other half watching movies and enjoying each other’s
company can cheer us up. Money schmoney – we’re over it.
Day 6: Further your career
Whether
you’re fulfilled in your job or you fancy a career change, taking a few
steps to better yourself professionally will really boost your
happiness levels. Always fancied trying your hand at interior design?
Sign up for a course! Want to become better at what you already do in
your professional life? Start learning more about it. By developing your
skills you will start to value yourself more.
Day 7: Pamper/grooming night
Don’t
turn away, men; we’re talking to you too. When you’re feeling tired,
stressed and/or run-down, a good pampering or grooming session can
really boost your confidence and, in turn, make you feel a whole lot
happier. Use some beauty/grooming products, have a bath, moisturise...
whatever makes you feel refreshed. Sometimes we have to be a little
self-indulgent to maximise our happiness levels, and why on earth not?
You deserve it!
Day 8: Exercise
It’s
a scientific fact that exercise gets your blood pumping, your
endorphins flowing and your feel-good factor soaring. Whether you go for
a run, enjoy a good Zumba class or just go for a gentle stroll with
your dog, any form of exercise is better than none. The more exercise
you can do though, the better you feel about yourself after. Feel the
burn!
Day 9: Smile
Today,
no matter how stressed or angry you feel, turn that frown upside down
and get smiling because it will make you happier. There has been heaps
of scientific research into this – including research carried out by The
University of Cardiff – that shows a correlation between happiness and
the simple act of smiling. In the words of Charles Darwin in 1872, the
“free expression by outward signs of an emotion intensifies it”. Start
smiling and your mood will feel instantly lifted.
Day 10: Make happy time!
Whether you enjoy golfing, shopping, quad-biking or partying, make sure you put aside the time to get involved in everything you enjoy. If you’ve always fancied taking up a new hobby, stop thinking about it and start putting it into action. Getting involved in fun activities that involve other people too are the best for making you happy – when we interact with others, endorphins and dopamine are released into the body making us feel happy and relaxed. You only live once, so do the things that are absolutely necessary and then make plenty of time to enjoy yourself!
Whether you enjoy golfing, shopping, quad-biking or partying, make sure you put aside the time to get involved in everything you enjoy. If you’ve always fancied taking up a new hobby, stop thinking about it and start putting it into action. Getting involved in fun activities that involve other people too are the best for making you happy – when we interact with others, endorphins and dopamine are released into the body making us feel happy and relaxed. You only live once, so do the things that are absolutely necessary and then make plenty of time to enjoy yourself!
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